Description: Active Directory Federation Services (AD FS) is a Microsoft solution that enables single sign-on (SSO) access to applications and services across organizational boundaries. This feature facilitates user authentication across multiple applications without the need for repeated credential entry. AD FS uses open standards such as SAML (Security Assertion Markup Language) and OAuth to allow interoperability between different systems and platforms. This means users can access both cloud and on-premises applications using a single identity, enhancing user experience and reducing administrative burdens related to password management. Additionally, AD FS provides multi-factor authentication capabilities, adding an extra layer of security to the login process. In an enterprise environment, AD FS becomes an essential tool for integrating third-party applications and facilitating collaboration between organizations, enabling secure and efficient access to shared resources.
History: AD FS was introduced by Microsoft in 2003 as part of Windows Server 2003 R2. Since its launch, it has significantly evolved, incorporating new features and enhancements in each version of Windows Server. The latest version, AD FS in Windows Server 2022, includes improved support for multi-factor authentication and better integration with cloud services.
Uses: AD FS is primarily used to provide SSO access to enterprise applications, both cloud-based and on-premises. It is also used to facilitate collaboration between organizations by allowing users from one company to access resources from another organization without needing to create additional accounts.
Examples: An example of AD FS usage is in a company using a cloud service like Microsoft 365. Employees can access applications like SharePoint and Teams with their Active Directory credentials without needing to log in again. Another example is collaboration between two organizations using AD FS to allow their employees to securely access shared resources.
